Salt Lake County, UT Building Permits, Zoning & Septic

Unincorporated Salt Lake County, Utah requires a building permit for most construction, issued through the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District (MSD) under Utah's statewide State Construction Code¹. The county zones the unincorporated area itself, under Title 19 of the Salt Lake County Code². Septic goes through the Salt Lake County Health Department, not a separate state office, for new onsite wastewater system construction³. An owner who occupies the property can act as their own contractor on up to three residential structures over five years under Utah's owner-builder exemption⁴.

At a glance

Building permit: Required for most construction in unincorporated Salt Lake County, issued by the Greater Salt Lake MSD¹
Zoning: Yes, under county Title 19 for unincorporated land; municipalities use their own zoning codes²
Septic permits: Salt Lake County Health Department for systems up to 5,000 gallons/day³
Owner-builder: Allowed: up to 1 residential structure per year, for the owner's own noncommercial use⁴⁵
Accessory dwelling unit: Allowed in qualifying residential zones on a 6,000-7,000+ sq ft lot, owner-occupied, one per lot⁶
Minimum lot size (MRZ-Village): 6,000 sq ft and 60 ft of width for single-family use in this district; other districts vary⁷
Agricultural buildings: Exempt from the state permit requirement if solely agricultural and not for human occupancy, with acreage conditions⁸

Who to call

Building permits

Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District (MSD), Building Services

Building permit applications, plan review, and inspections for unincorporated Salt Lake County and MSD member communities

(385) 910-5600

[email protected]

860 W. LeVoy Dr., Suite 300, Taylorsville, UT 84123

Zoning

Salt Lake County Planning & Development Services

Zoning administration under Title 19 for unincorporated Salt Lake County

2001 S State St, North Bldg, Room N1-110, Salt Lake City, UT 84114

Health department

Salt Lake County Health Department, Water Quality Bureau

Review and permitting of new onsite wastewater system (septic) construction countywide, for systems up to 5,000 gallons per day

385-468-3862

788 East Woodoak Lane (5380 South), Murray, UT 84107

Roads & driveways

Salt Lake County Public Works Department

Permits for altering the public sidewalk, curb and gutter, or driveway approach in unincorporated Salt Lake County

385-468-6600

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 24, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Salt Lake County, Utah?

Yes, for most construction in unincorporated Salt Lake County. A building permit must be purchased from the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District for building expansions, alterations, detached structures 200 square feet or larger, any structure with plumbing, mechanical, or electrical work, retaining walls taller than 4 feet, and several other listed project types⁹. A handful of small projects are exempt: a detached accessory structure under 200 square feet (120 for commercial use) with no plumbing, mechanical, or electrical work, a fence 7 feet or under, and a deck under 18 inches high and 200 square feet, though each still needs Planning/Zoning approval for its location⁹. Utah's State Construction Code sets the substantive standard behind that permit, currently built on the 2024 International Building Code and 2021 International Residential Code as adopted for Salt Lake County¹⁰. A qualifying agricultural building used solely for agriculture and not for human occupancy is exempt from the state permit requirement, though a plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permit can still apply, and the exemption narrows on land under 5 contiguous acres inside a city or under 2 contiguous acres in an approved subdivision⁸.

Who is the Salt Lake County building department, and how do you reach them?

The Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District (MSD) Building Services team issues permits and runs inspections for unincorporated Salt Lake County and several member communities¹¹. Reach MSD Building Services at 860 W. LeVoy Dr., Suite 300, Taylorsville, UT 84123, main phone (385) 910-5600¹¹. To schedule an inspection, call the Building Inspection Hotline or email [email protected] before 3:00 p.m. to book the following business day¹². Fees are published for FY2026: an over-the-counter building permit site plan review runs $110, and an accessory dwelling unit review runs $175, while a larger site plan review runs $990 under 3 acres or $1,640 at 3 acres or more¹³.

Does Salt Lake County have zoning?

Yes. Title 19 of the Salt Lake County Code is the county's own zoning ordinance, and it determines the use and development of property in the unincorporated county²¹⁴. That authority only covers unincorporated land: properties inside any of the county's 23 municipalities are governed by that municipality's own zoning code instead, so confirm which side of the line a parcel falls on before relying on county numbers¹⁵. In the county's MRZ-Village district, single-family lots need at least 6,000 square feet and 60 feet of width, with a 20-foot front setback, 20-foot rear setback, and 8-foot side setbacks (18 feet total for both sides combined) for the house itself⁷¹⁶. An accessory dwelling unit is allowed on a qualifying single-family lot in a residential zone: an internal ADU needs at least 6,000 square feet of lot area, a detached ADU generally needs at least 7,000 square feet, and either way the primary home or the ADU must be owner-occupied and only one ADU is allowed per lot⁶. This guide could not confirm a countywide minimum dwelling size, lot-coverage limit, or building-height limit for unincorporated Salt Lake County; those appear to be set district by district, so confirm the specific zoning district with the Planning & Development Services office before you buy¹⁷.

How do septic permits work in Salt Lake County?

The Salt Lake County Health Department is responsible for reviewing and permitting new onsite wastewater system construction in the county, for systems up to 5,000 gallons of daily flow; larger or nondomestic-flow systems go to the state Department of Environmental Quality instead³¹⁸. No one may install, construct, alter, replace, enlarge, extend, or otherwise modify an onsite wastewater system without a valid permit from that department first¹⁹. If any part of the public sewer conveyance system is within 300 feet of the property line, the county can require connection within 60 days of written notice, and once connected, the septic tank must be pumped, abandoned, and documented within 30 days²⁰. Soils are a real constraint here: USDA data shows only about 3.8% of Salt Lake County's land is free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so budget for a site evaluation and likely an alternative system on unsewered land²¹. Systems must be inspected by the department before backfilling, and alternative systems, pressure-distribution systems, and holding tanks need a yearly-renewed operating permit on top of the construction permit²². A privy or any place other than a permitted toilet for depositing human waste is unlawful in the county except under a narrow state rule, so a composting or off-grid toilet does not bypass this system²³. Any domestic well also needs a valid water right and a Start Card from the State Engineer before construction, regardless of depth²⁴.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Salt Lake County?

This guide could not confirm a specific unincorporated Salt Lake County rule on living in an RV or tiny home on a residential lot outside a licensed RV park; the county's own zoning, building, and housing pages do not establish a general permission or prohibition². What state rules do cover is occupancy inside a recreational vehicle park: a recreational vehicle or a tiny house may be allowed there only with the required data plate and RV-industry certification or third-party inspection, and the park itself must meet applicable building, zoning, electrical, health, and fire codes²⁵²⁶. Outside an RV park, the state's own guidance is that whether a tiny home is allowed depends entirely on local land-use rules and how the county treats the structure, as a primary dwelling, an accessory dwelling, a modular unit, or a manufactured home²⁶. An accessory dwelling unit, built to residential code on a qualifying lot, remains the confirmed path to added living space in unincorporated Salt Lake County, subject to the ADU conditions above⁶.

Building a home in Salt Lake County: the steps, in order

Confirm the parcel is unincorporated Salt Lake County, not inside one of the 23 municipalities, since each city sets its own zoning and permitting¹⁵.
Confirm the Title 19 zoning district, minimum lot size, and setbacks that apply to the parcel with Planning & Development Services¹⁷⁷.
Contact the Salt Lake County Health Department Water Quality Bureau about an onsite wastewater permit, including a soil/percolation evaluation, before finalizing a site plan²⁷¹⁹.
If a domestic well is needed, secure a water right and Start Card from the State Engineer before construction²⁴.
If the driveway will alter the public sidewalk, curb and gutter, or driveway approach, get a permit from the Salt Lake County Public Works Department first²⁸.
Submit the building permit application to Greater Salt Lake MSD Building Services, including any owner-builder registration with DOPL if acting as your own contractor¹¹⁴.
Schedule and pass each required inspection, and do not backfill the septic system until the Health Department approves it¹²²².

What to check before you buy land in Salt Lake County

Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated or inside a municipality first, since that changes which zoning code, building department, and fee schedule apply¹⁵. Get a septic site evaluation before you rely on one: only about 3.8% of the county's soils are free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so plan for the cost of an engineered or alternative system on most unsewered parcels²¹. About 23.2% of the county's land is federally owned, more than in many counties this site covers, which can limit what is actually available to buy or build on nearby²⁹. Salt Lake County sits close to its own metro core, about 6 miles out at a representative rural spot, and typical property tax bills run around $2,726 a year at a comparatively low effective rate near 0.6%³⁰³¹³².

Watch-outs

This guide could not confirm a countywide minimum dwelling size, lot-coverage limit, building-height limit, or a rule on RV, tiny-home, or temporary-camping occupancy for unincorporated Salt Lake County; confirm each with Planning & Development Services for the specific zoning district before you buy¹⁷.
The MSD-served building permit rules above cover unincorporated Salt Lake County and MSD member communities; a property inside one of the county's 23 incorporated municipalities follows that city's own building and zoning rules instead¹⁵.

Sources

Written September 24, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

How Salt Lake County scores

Seclusion17100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency40100% ev.

Admin Boringness40100% ev.

Durability43100% ev.

Property Autonomy60100% ev.

Carry Cost46100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$576kTypical home

0.6%Property tax

$13,993Land / acre

22.3"Annual rain

28% of yrsSevere drought

9.3 / yr (+8.1)Mid-century 100°F days

28 daysMid-century dry spell

1.06" (+5.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.15×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,082Home insurance / yr

4% / yrInsurance growth

0.89%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

665,183People within 30 min

3,081,536People within 2 hr

1,014,943Radius comparison (15 mi)

1,598People / sq mi

23.2%Federal land

53.1%Land at 15% slope or less

3.8%Septic soil without severe limits

13,818 acWorkable land screen

50.3%Wooded land

22.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac

49.5°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Salt Lake County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Salt Lake County rules

Building permitLimited
Construction projects served by the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District in unincorporated Salt Lake County, including building expansions, alterations, detached structures exceeding 200 square feet, structures with plumbing, mechanical, or electrical work, retaining walls taller than 4 feet, and listed electrical, mechanical, plumbing, heating, fireplace, window, and reroofing work.
- A building permit must be purchased for the listed projects.
- Equivalent plumbing fixtures and equivalent electrical lights or receptacles do not require a building permit.
- A deck or platform is exempt only if it is less than 18 inches above adjoining ground, under 200 square feet, and unattached to the dwelling; its location still requires Planning/Zoning approval.
- A detached accessory structure is exempt only if it is less than 200 square feet in floor area, or 120 square feet for commercial use, one story, and without plumbing, mechanical, or electrical work; its location still requires Planning/Zoning approval.
- A fence exemption applies only when the fence is no more than 7 feet high measured from adjoining grade.
- Driveways and patios without roof coverings are exempt, but altering the public sidewalk, curb and gutter, or driveway approach requires a Public Works permit.
- Requirements described are for the MSD-served jurisdictions listed on the source page; incorporated municipalities may administer their own permitting systems.
detached structure residential threshold: < 200 square feet (Commercial threshold is 120 square feet; structures of any size with plumbing, mechanical, or electrical work require a permit.) · retaining wall permit threshold: > 4 feet (Measured from bottom of footing to top of wall.) · fence exemption height: <= 7 feet (Measured from adjoining grade.)
“(A building permit must be purchased from the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District for the following construction projects: )”
Building Services | Greater Salt Lake MSD ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
InspectionsLimited
Building-permit and business-license projects served by the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District in unincorporated Salt Lake County.
- Inspection requests must be made by calling the Building Inspection Hotline or emailing [email protected] before 3:00 p.m. to schedule the following business day.
- The request must include the building permit number or business license number, property address, inspection type, requested date, and contact name and daytime phone number.
- Footing, foundation, and other concrete inspections require an approximate time between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.; other inspections do not receive a time frame.
- The source states that failure to coordinate with the inspector may result in a failed inspection and a re-inspection fee.
- MSD-stamped plans must be onsite printed full size.
- The source describes MSD service for unincorporated Salt Lake County and named municipalities/towns; incorporated municipalities may have separate inspection authorities.
inspection request deadline: 3:00 p.m. (Requests before the deadline are scheduled for the following business day.) · concrete inspection time window: 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (Applies to footing, foundation, and other concrete inspections.)
“To schedule an inspection, please call the Building Inspection Hotline (385) 910-5830 or email a request to [email protected] before 3:00 pm to schedule your inspection for the following business day.”
Building Services | Greater Salt Lake MSD ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
Zoning under Title 19 for property in unincorporated Salt Lake County.
- Title 19 determines the use and development of property in the unincorporated county.
- Properties within Salt Lake County municipalities are governed by municipal zoning codes instead.
“Title 19 of the Salt Lake County Code is the county's zoning ordinance, which balances property rights with the general health, safety, and welfare of the community. The zoning ordinance (also known as the zoning code) determines the use and development of property in the unincorporated county.”
Title 19 Comprehensive Zoning Update ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Local zoning across Salt Lake County, aggregated across unincorporated county areas, MSD member communities, and incorporated municipalities.
- Unincorporated Salt Lake County and MSD member communities use the applicable local zoning information and ordinances.
- For properties in other cities, the municipality must be contacted for zoning information.
- The conclusion aggregates local zoning authorities and does not mean Salt Lake County administers every municipal ordinance.
“The Title 19 update only affects land in unincorporated Salt Lake County. Properties located within the boundaries of one of the 23 municipalities in Salt Lake County will continue to be governed by the zoning codes of those municipalities.”
Land Use & Zoning ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Zoning districtsPublished
Zoning districts and zoning regulations governing unincorporated Salt Lake County; incorporated municipalities use their own zoning codes.
- Title 19 is the county zoning ordinance for unincorporated county land.
- The Title 19 update page states that the zoning district applying to every property in the unincorporated county remains the same during the proposed text update.
- The Foothills and Canyons Overlay Zone applies in environmentally sensitive mountainous, foothill, and canyon areas within unincorporated Salt Lake County in addition to primary/base zones.
- Properties within Salt Lake County municipalities are governed by municipal zoning codes.
“Title 19 of the Salt Lake County Code is the county's zoning ordinance, which balances property rights with the general health, safety, and welfare of the community.”
Title 19 Comprehensive Zoning Update ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)
Single-family residential lots in the Salt Lake County MRZ-Village District in unincorporated Salt Lake County.
- The cited standard is district-specific and applies to single-family residential use.
- All other uses have no minimum lot area unless otherwise specified in the ordinance.
- The same district material specifies a 60-foot minimum lot width for single-family residential use.
- The county states that Title 19 zoning determines the use and development of property in the unincorporated county.
minimum lot area: 6000 sq ft · minimum lot width: 60 feet
“1. Minimum Lot Area a. Single-family residential: 6,000 Sq. Ft. b. All other uses, unless lot area otherwise specified in the Ordinance: No minimum lot area. 2. Minimum Lot Width a. Single-family residential: 60 feet.”
Salt Lake County Zoning Ordinance Material ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)
Single-, two-, three-, and four-family dwellings and related accessory buildings in the Salt Lake County MRZ-Village District in unincorporated Salt Lake County.
- Front setback is 20 feet for the listed dwellings and related accessory buildings; other uses are 0 feet unless otherwise specified.
- Side setback is 8 feet for the listed dwellings, with total required side yards of at least 18 feet.
- Accessory-building side setback is 8 feet, except 3 feet when located at least 10 feet from the rear of the dwelling.
- Rear setback is 20 feet for the listed dwellings.
- Accessory-building rear setback is 3 feet, except 8 feet where the accessory building rears on the side yard of a lot adjacent to a corner lot.
- An applicant may locate a structure closer to the property line if the land use authority finds no additional burden on neighboring properties after addressing snow load, drainage, access, fire protection, and building code.
- The county states that Title 19 zoning determines the use and development of property in the unincorporated county.
front setback for listed dwellings: 20 feet · side setback for listed dwellings: 8 feet (Total of two required side yards not less than 18 feet) · rear setback for listed dwellings: 20 feet · accessory-building side setback: 8 feet (3 feet when located at least 10 feet from the rear of the dwelling) · accessory-building rear setback: 3 feet (8 feet where accessory building rears on side yard of a lot adjacent to a corner lot)
“3. Setbacks a. Front yard i. Single, two, three, and four-family dwelling: 20 feet. ii. Accessory building related to the above: 20 feet. iii. All other uses, unless front yard setback otherwise specified in the Ordinance: 0 feet. b. Side yard i. Single, two, three, and four-family dwelling: 8 feet, with a total of two required side yards of not less than 18 feet. ii. Accessory building related to the above: 8 feet, except 3 feet when located at least 10 feet from the rear of the dwelling. iii. All other uses, unless side yard setback otherwise specified in the Ordinance: 0 feet. c. Rear yard i. Single, two, three, and four-family dwelling: 20 feet. ii. Accessory building related to the above: 3 feet, except 8 feet where accessory building rears on side yard of a lot that lies adjacent to a corner lot. iii. All other uses, unless rear yard setback otherwise specified in the Ordinance: 0 feet. d. Exceptions. An applicant may locate a structure closer to the property line than specified by the above setbacks if applicant can demonstrate to the land use authority that the structure will not place additional burden on neighboring properties by addressing the following factors: snow load, drainage, access, fire protection, and building code.”
Salt Lake County Zoning Ordinance Material ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)
Internal or detached accessory dwelling units on qualifying single-family detached residential properties in unincorporated Salt Lake County.
- The property must be in a residential zone, including R, A, Forestry, or PC zones, and must contain a single-family detached residence, not a townhome or part of a PUD.
- All setback, parking, lot-coverage, design, building, fire, health, water-availability, and address-marker requirements must be satisfied.
- Internal ADUs require a lot of at least 6,000 square feet. Detached ADUs require a lot of at least 7,000 square feet, except that the PC Zone may allow detached ADUs on 6,000-square-foot lots.
- Detached ADUs must generally be at least 10 feet from the rear property line and 6 feet from the main house; side-yard setbacks depend on zoning and public-utility easements.
- The primary dwelling or ADU must be owner-occupied, subject to short exceptions of up to 2 years for military deployment, medical services, or religious missions.
- Only one ADU per lot is permitted; ADUs cannot be sold or subdivided into separate lots.
- Before renting, the owner must record an owner-occupancy affidavit and obtain a business license for the rental unit.
- A building permit is required before constructing or converting an ADU, and written confirmation from the water provider must be submitted before permit issuance.
minimum lot size for internal ADU: >= 6000 square feet · minimum lot size for detached ADU: >= 7000 square feet (PC Zone may allow detached ADUs on 6,000-square-foot lots.) · minimum detached-ADU rear setback: >= 10 feet (Noncomplying structures may qualify for exceptions under Section 19.88.150.) · minimum detached-ADU separation from main house: >= 6 feet · maximum detached-ADU height: <= 20 feet (May instead match the height of the main home depending on setbacks.)
“You may be eligible to build or convert an ADU if: Your property is zoned residential (including R, A, Forestry, or PC zones)”
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Who permits septicCounty
New onsite wastewater system construction in Salt Lake County.
- The Salt Lake County Health Department administers review and permitting for new onsite wastewater system construction in the county.
- Projects with daily flow greater than 5,000 gallons per day or nondomestic wastewater flows are permitted by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality instead.
county permitting threshold: <= 5000 gallons per day (The Utah Department of Environmental Quality permits projects with a daily flow greater than 5000 gallons per day, or that include nondomestic wastewater flows such as agricultural or industrial processing or manufacturing.)
“Salt Lake County Health Department is responsible for reviewing and permitting new onsite wastewater system construction in Salt Lake County.”
Septic & Onsite Wastewater Systems - Waste | Salt Lake County ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Installing, constructing, altering, replacing, enlarging, extending, or otherwise modifying an onsite wastewater system in Salt Lake County.
- A valid onsite wastewater permit or alternative onsite wastewater system permit must be issued by the Salt Lake County Health Department before the covered work.
- A building with an onsite wastewater disposal system, a wastewater holding tank, a replacement septic tank, a replacement absorption system, or a bedroom-count-increasing remodel requires prior written approval and a corresponding valid permit.
- The county permitting page states that sewer connection is required if sewer is available within 300 feet of the property.
- Application materials include a completed application, applicable fees, sewer-service documentation, water-availability documentation, soil/percolation work, and certified plans and specifications.
- Watershed projects require a watershed construction letter from Salt Lake City Public Utilities; drinking-water-source-protection-zone projects require written approval from the drinking water system.
sewer availability distance: <= 300 feet (Connection may be excepted when sewer is not available or practicable for use, subject to the regulation's onsite-system requirements.)
“No person shall install, construct, alter, replace, enlarge, extend, or otherwise modify any onsite wastewater system unless a valid onsite wastewater permit or alternative onsite wastewater system permit is issued by the Department.”
Salt Lake County Health Regulation #13: Onsite Wastewater Systems ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
New onsite wastewater systems and alternative systems in Salt Lake County.
- Salt Lake County Health Department inspects systems before backfilling.
- Systems must be installed according to approved plans; changes require county Health Department review and approval.
- Alternative systems, pressure-distribution systems, and holding tanks require operating permits renewed yearly and maintenance documentation.
- The county regulation requires required inspection results to be submitted within 30 days; inspection frequency varies by system type and may be increased by the Department.
inspection timing for new systems: before backfilling · operating permit renewal for alternative systems, pressure distribution, and holding tanks: per yearly · inspection-result submission deadline: 30 days (After the inspection.)
“Systems must be inspected by the department prior to backfilling.”
Septic & Onsite Wastewater Systems - Waste | Salt Lake County ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Off-grid wastewater and toilet sanitation in Salt Lake County.
- Onsite wastewater systems may be used where public sewer service is not available or practicable, but require an adequate system constructed under Utah Administrative Code R317-4 and county permitting.
- A privy, vault privy, or place other than a toilet for depositing human waste is unlawful except as provided in Utah Administrative Code R317-560.
- Where sewer connection becomes required, continued use of private wastewater disposal systems is prohibited and un-abandoned systems are declared a public nuisance.
“It shall be unlawful for any person to establish or maintain any privy, vault privy, or place other than a toilet for the deposit of human waste except as provided in Utah Administrative Code R317-560.”
Salt Lake County Health Regulation #13: Onsite Wastewater Systems ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)
Wastewater service for dwellings, buildings, premises, and subdivisions in Salt Lake County.
- Each dwelling, building, or premises must connect to a public sewer unless the sewer is unavailable or impracticable; in that exception, an adequate onsite wastewater system constructed under Utah Administrative Code R317-4 may be used.
- The owner must connect within 60 days after written notice of sewer availability when any part of the sewer conveyance system is within 300 feet of any point of the property line.
- The Department may waive the connection requirement for substantial and unusual hardship that does not present a significant public health risk.
- For subdivisions, sewer service must be extended by multiplying the number of lots by 300 feet per lot; if any point of the parcel lies within the resulting extension, all lots must connect.
- Within 30 days after required sewer connection, the owner must pump and abandon septic or holding tanks, remove outhouses, fill cesspools, and submit abandonment documentation.
connection deadline after written notice: 60 days (The sewer conveyance system must be within 300 feet of any point of the property line.) · property-line sewer distance: <= 300 feet (The Department may waive for substantial and unusual hardship without significant public health risk.)
“The owner of real property shall connect the building to the sewer system within 60 days after receiving written notice of the sewer connection availability, if any part of the sewer conveyance system is situated within 300 feet of any point of the property line.”
Salt Lake County Health Regulation #13: Onsite Wastewater Systems ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Driveway accessLimited
Driveways, patios, and driveway approaches in unincorporated Salt Lake County.
- Driveways and patios without roof coverings are exempt from building permit requirements.
- Altering the public sidewalk, curb and gutter, or driveway approach requires a permit from Salt Lake County Public Works before construction or demolition.
“Driveways and patios without roof coverings are exempt from permit requirements. Note: Altering the public sidewalk, curb and gutter, or driveway approach requires a permit from the Salt Lake County Public Works Department prior to construction or demolition 385-468-6600.”
Do I Need a Building Permit? ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Published FY2026 fee schedules for Salt Lake County and related Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District land-use and building-permit services in unincorporated areas.
- The MSD page lists separate FY2026 fee schedules for White City, Magna, Kearns, Emigration, Copperton, Salt Lake County, and Brighton.
- The Salt Lake County fee schedule includes different fees by application type and review scope.
building permit site plan: 110 USD (Over-the-counter staff review; permitted uses not requiring separate land use permit) · accessory dwelling unit: 175 USD (Includes limited agency review) · site plan review less than 3 acres: 990 USD (Includes agency review meeting and technical review) · site plan review 3 acres or more: 1640 USD (Includes agency review meeting, technical review, and Planning Commission meeting)
“Building permit site plan Over-the-counter staff review. Permitted uses not requiring separate land use permit. $110.00”
Building Permit Fee Schedules ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026

Utah rules that apply here

Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
A sole owner acting as an owner-builder for residential construction on the owner's property, concerning exemption from contractor licensure under the Utah Construction Trades Licensing Act; this does not by itself eliminate applicable building-permit, inspection, or code requirements.
- The sole owner may build no more than one residential structure per year on the owner's property and no more than three residential structures per five years.
- The use must be the sole owner's noncommercial, nonpublic use.
- A person other than the property owner or the specified volunteer exemption persons who engages in building the residential structure must be licensed if otherwise required by the chapter.
- Incidental structures such as a shed, carport, or detached garage are covered when for the sole owner's noncommercial, nonpublic use.
- For persons working under the owner, work must be without compensation other than qualifying token compensation and under the direction of the property owner.
- Token compensation must be minimal compared with fair market value, unrelated to fair market value, and incidental, including meals, refreshments, or reasonable transportation costs.
residential structures per year: <= 1 structure (For the sole owner's property and sole owner's noncommercial, nonpublic use.) · residential structures per five years: <= 3 structures (For the sole owner's property and sole owner's noncommercial, nonpublic use.)
“a sole owner of property engaged in building: (i) no more than one residential structure per year on the sole owner's property and no more than three residential structures per five years on the sole owner's property for the sole owner's noncommercial, nonpublic use”
Utah Code Title 58, Chapter 55, Construction Trades Licensing Act exemptions ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Building construction, alteration, remodeling, and repair, and regulation of those activities throughout Utah, subject to the State Construction Code's statewide and local amendments and statutory exceptions.
- The code version cited is effective July 1, 2026 and is superseded January 1, 2027.
- The adopted codes operate together with Chapter 3 statewide amendments and Chapter 4 local amendments incorporated into the State Construction Code.
- Compliance is required when new construction is involved.
- For an existing building, compliance is required when the owner or agent voluntarily undertakes repair, renovation, remodeling, alteration, enlargement, rehabilitation, conservation, or reconstruction, or changes the character or use in a way that increases occupancy loads, other demands, or safety risks.
- The 2006 Utah Wildland Urban Interface Code may be adopted by a local compliance agency by local ordinance or similar action as a local amendment.
- Historic-property plaster standards apply only when the owner receives a government tax subsidy based on historic status, the property is wholly or partially funded by public money, or the property is owned by a government entity.
International Building Code edition: 2024, including Appendices C and J · International Residential Code edition: 2021, including Appendix AQ · International Plumbing Code edition: 2024 · International Mechanical Code edition: 2024 · International Fuel Gas Code edition: 2024 · National Electrical Code edition: 2023 · International Energy Conservation Code edition: 2024 · International Existing Building Code edition: 2024 · effective date: 2026-07-01 · superseded date: 2027-01-01
“the following construction codes are incorporated by reference [...] (a) the 2024 edition of the International Building Code, including Appendices C and J”
Utah Code § 15A-1-204, Adoption of State Construction Code ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Adopted (with conditions) — Building construction, alteration, remodeling, and repair in Salt Lake County under Utah's State Construction Code, including unincorporated areas administered by the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District.
  “the following construction codes are incorporated by reference, and together with the amendments specified in Chapter 3, Statewide Amendments Incorporated as Part of State Construction Code, and Chapter 4, Local Amendments Incorporated as Part of State Construction Code, are the construction standards to be applied to building construction, alteration, remodeling, and repair, and in the regulation of building construction, alteration, remodeling, and repair in the state:”
  Utah Code § 15A-2-103, Specific editions adopted of construction code ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Well permitRequired
Construction and regulated construction-related work on domestic and other water production wells in Salt Lake County, under Utah statewide well rules.
- A valid water right must be in place before constructing a shallow water well and beneficially using groundwater.
- A Start Card issued upon approval of the water right is essentially the permit to construct the well.
- Water production wells, including domestic wells, are regulated by the State Engineer through the Utah Division of Water Rights.
- Regulated work must be completed by a licensed well driller; shallow wells may also be constructed by a licensed shallow-water-well constructor.
- The State Engineer's regulation of shallow wells applies statewide; the prior exemption for wells 30 feet deep or less was removed effective May 10, 2022, and revised rules became effective July 22, 2022.
- Pump installation or repair on an owner's own property for the owner's own use does not require a pump installer's license, but this exception does not eliminate the well-construction permit requirement.
shallow-well statutory change effective date: 2022-05-10 (State Engineer authority to regulate all water wells regardless of depth.) · revised well rules effective date: 2022-07-22 (Utah Administrative Code R655-4.)
“A shallow water well owner must have a valid water right to beneficially use groundwater from a shallow water well prior to well construction. [...] A Start Card is issued upon approval of the water right, which is essentially the permit to construct the well.”
Water Well Drilling Information ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Agricultural structures in Salt Lake County that are used solely in conjunction with agriculture and are not for human occupancy, and certain qualifying sales structures.
- The exemption applies to a structure used solely in conjunction with agriculture and not for human occupancy, or a structure no more than 1,500 square feet used solely for the specified sales described in Utah Code 59-12-104(20).
- Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits may still be required when that work is included.
- Unless another exemption applies, the structure is not exempt from a permit requirement when located within a city or town on less than five contiguous acres, or within a subdivision for which the county approved a subdivision plat on less than two contiguous acres, unless the land is wholly or partly in an agricultural protection area created under Title 17, Chapter 81.
- This is a statewide construction-code exemption and does not establish an exemption from county zoning, subdivision, septic, or health requirements.
qualifying sales-structure size: <= 1500 sq ft (Must be used solely for the type of sales described in Utah Code 59-12-104(20)) · city or town acreage threshold: < 5 contiguous acres (Permit exemption exception does not apply if the land is wholly or partly in an agricultural protection area) · approved-subdivision acreage threshold: < 2 contiguous acres (Permit exemption exception does not apply if the land is wholly or partly in an agricultural protection area)
“Except as provided in Subsection (11)(b), a structure used solely in conjunction with agriculture use, and not for human occupancy, or a structure that is no more than 1,500 square feet and used solely for the type of sales described in Subsection 59-12-104(20), is exempt from the requirements of the State Construction Code. [...] Unless exempted by a provision other than Subsection (11)(a), a plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permit may be required when that work is included in a structure described in Subsection (11)(a). [...] Unless located in whole or in part in an agricultural protection area created under Title 17, Chapter 81, Agriculture, Industrial, and Critical Infrastructure Materials, a structure described in Subsection (11)(a) is not exempt from a permit requirement if the structure is located on land that is: (A) within the boundaries of a city or town, and less than five contiguous acres; or (B) within a subdivision for which the county has approved a subdivision plat under Title 17, Chapter 79, Part 7, Subdivisions, and less than two contiguous acres.”
Utah Code, Title 15A, Chapter 1, Section 15A-1-204 ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Available (with conditions) — Structures used solely in conjunction with agricultural use and not for human occupancy, under Utah's State Construction Code.
  “a structure used solely in conjunction with agriculture use, and not for human occupancy, [...] is exempt from the requirements of the State Construction Code.”
  Utah Code § 15A-1-204 ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision of land within Utah municipalities under the statewide municipal land-use framework; the municipality is the administering land-use authority.
- A municipality may enact an ordinance requiring subdivision plats to comply with municipal ordinances and the statutory subdivision part before recording and sale.
- If the municipality has not enacted a subdivision ordinance, it may regulate subdivisions only to the extent provided in the statutory subdivision part.
- Subdivision plats are subject to statutory exclusions and exemptions, including Section 10-20-808 and Section 10-20-102.
“The legislative body of a municipality may enact ordinances requiring that a subdivision plat comply with the provisions of the municipality's ordinances and this part”
Utah Code Title 10, Chapter 20, Part 8, Subdivisions ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Campground & park staysLimited
Temporary RV occupancy in Utah recreational vehicle parks providing temporary living quarters for two or more recreational vehicles.
- The location must be an RV park as defined by Rule R392-301.
- The operator must comply with all applicable building, zoning, electrical, health, fire codes and local ordinances.
- Each RV must satisfy the required data-plate or permanent-label and certification or qualified third-party inspection requirements.
- Wastewater must comply with the rule, applicable Utah Department of Environmental Quality requirements, local health department regulations, and the local sewer district having jurisdiction.
minimum number of recreational vehicles: >= 2 vehicles
“A recreational vehicle or a tiny house may be allowed in a recreational vehicle park only if:”
Utah Administrative Code Rule R392-301, Recreational Vehicle Parks ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Tiny houses in Utah RV parks; the state source also states that tiny-home permission in a particular area depends on local land-use regulations.
  “A recreational vehicle or a tiny house may be allowed in a recreational vehicle park only if:”
  OPRO Accessory Dwellings (ADU's) and other dwelling types ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
county zoning authorityGeneral
Utah counties may enact land-use controls, including zoning ordinances, for land in unincorporated areas statewide.
- The authority is subject to Utah Code Section 17-79-101(4) and Section 11-41-103.
- The statutory grant expressly covers the unincorporated area of a county and a designated mountainous planning district.
- The quoted provision lists uses, density, open spaces, structures, and buildings among the subjects of permissible land-use controls.
“Subject to Subsection (4) and Section 11-41-103, to accomplish the purposes of this chapter, a county may enact all ordinances, resolutions, and rules and may enter into other forms of land use controls and development agreements that the county considers necessary or appropriate for the use and development of land within the unincorporated area of the county or a designated mountainous planning district”
Utah Code, Title 17, Chapter 79, Section 17-79-101 ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
county building authorityGeneral
Utah counties may adopt and enforce building regulations and require building permits for construction in unincorporated areas statewide.
- The general county building-regulation authority applies outside the limits of cities and towns.
- Local regulations may not conflict with general laws.
- Under Utah Code Section 17-79-901, erecting, constructing, reconstructing, altering, or changing the use of a building or other structure within a county requires approval of a building permit.
- A county may not issue a building permit unless the plans fully conform to regulations then in effect.
- The county permit authority is subject to the State Construction and Fire Codes Act and other statutory limitations.
“A county may make and enforce within the limits of the county, outside the limits of cities and towns, all local, police, building, and sanitary regulations that are not in conflict with general laws.”
Utah Code Section 17-60-204, County safety and welfare regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for buildings in the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District service area, including unincorporated Salt Lake County.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size for residential dwellings in unincorporated Salt Lake County.
Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Salt Lake County.
Building height — Building height in unincorporated Salt Lake County.
Living in an RV — Occupancy of a recreational vehicle on a residential lot in unincorporated Salt Lake County outside a licensed RV park.

3 more unanswered

Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Water rights & wells in Salt Lake County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Utah’s water agency.

Closed to new supply

New water supply here generally requires a permit, an offset, or buying an existing right — a household well is not automatic.

Household wellPermit required — restricted

Utah has NO exempt domestic well — you must own a water right to drill any well, including a household well. In an open area you file a new appropriation, but because much of Utah is closed to new appropriation a newcomer typically must PURCHASE an existing water right and file a change application to move it to the new well.

Limit: ~0.45 acre-ft/yr indoor domestic (typical allocation); no statutory exempt-well quantity

Utah Division of Water Rights — FAQ ↗

Groundwater Management Plan valleys (Cache, Tooele, Salt Lake, Utah, Juab, Pahvant, Snyderville, Sand Hollow, Weber Delta)majority of county
Populated valleys managed under groundwater management plans that protect existing rights and cap withdrawals; new groundwater use requires acquiring and changing existing water rights rather than new appropriation.
Utah Division of Water Rights — Groundwater Management Plans ↗

Prior-appropriation state (first in time, first in right). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Utah state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Salt Lake County, Utah

Is Salt Lake County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Salt Lake County scores 37/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: about 665,183 people within a 30-minute drive and more administrative friction around building and land use.

Do you need a building permit in Salt Lake County, Utah?

Salt Lake County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Salt Lake County Health Department. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Salt Lake County, Utah?

Land in Salt Lake County runs about $13,993 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Salt Lake County?

Salt Lake County gets about 22.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 28% of years. On water rights, Salt Lake County lies in the Groundwater Management Plan valleys (Cache, Tooele, Salt Lake, Utah, Juab, Pahvant, Snyderville, Sand Hollow, Weber Delta) — Populated valleys managed under groundwater management plans that protect existing rights and cap withdrawals; new groundwater use requires acquiring and changing existing water rights rather than new appropriation..

How remote is Salt Lake County?

A representative private-land location has about 665,183 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,081,536 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Salt Lake County, Utah

At a glance

Who to call

Do you need a building permit in Salt Lake County, Utah?

Who is the Salt Lake County building department, and how do you reach them?

Does Salt Lake County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Salt Lake County?

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Salt Lake County?

Building a home in Salt Lake County: the steps, in order

What to check before you buy land in Salt Lake County

Watch-outs

Sources

Salt Lake County in Utah

How Salt Lake County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Salt Lake County

Salt Lake County rules

Utah rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Water rights & wells in Salt Lake County

Living off-grid in Salt Lake County, Utah

Is Salt Lake County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Do you need a building permit in Salt Lake County, Utah?

How much does land cost in Salt Lake County, Utah?

What is the water situation in Salt Lake County?

How remote is Salt Lake County?

How Salt Lake compares in Utah